The price of owning a Hassy 203FE

carlprad

Member

Joined

Feb 3, 2012

Messages

9

Format

Medium Format

• Feb 5, 2012

• #1

Hello

I am investigating all of the price of owning a Haselblad 203FE.

I would really appreciate everyone's input on the costs involved in servicing the camera:

1) What did you have done?
2) What was the cost?
3) Are there any upgrades, fixes or options I should be aware of and request from the service department?
4) where did you have the work done?

Thanks everyone in advance for your help.

carlos

 

film_man

Member

Joined

Dec 17, 2009

Messages

1,575

Location

London

Format

Multi Format

• Feb 5, 2012

• #2

Hasselblad UK will service a 200 series camera for £320+parts+VAT.

 

johnielvis

Member

Joined

May 21, 2010

Messages

966

Format

Medium Format

• Feb 6, 2012

• #3

you can get a larger graflex slr for cheaper--put a roll film back on it and you get a much more reliable camera that is more versatile. I love hasselblads myself, but always have shyed away from the focal plane versions due to their added complexity=more stuff to go wrong. The only thing you really gain is the ability to use the few VERY expensive fast lenses. But, if that's what you WANT to do, then it's worth it. It all depends on what you WANT to do.

 

ic-racer

Member

Joined

Feb 25, 2007

Messages

16,544

Location

USA

Format

Multi Format

• Feb 6, 2012

• #4

johnielvis said:

you can get a larger graflex slr for cheaper--put a roll film back on it and you get a much more reliable camera that is more versatile. I love hasselblads myself, but always have shyed away from the focal plane versions due to their added complexity=more stuff to go wrong. The only thing you really gain is the ability to use the few VERY expensive fast lenses. But, if that's what you WANT to do, then it's worth it. It all depends on what you WANT to do.

Click to expand...

??
Yes I see people shooting with those all the time; much more reliable and versatile than the Hasselblad (where is the sarcasm smiley ...)

 

jordanstarr

Member

Joined

Apr 30, 2007

Messages

781

Location

Ontario

Format

Multi Format

• Feb 6, 2012

• #5

I can't speak for a Hassey 203FE, but my Hassey 500c/m had to be repaired once (broken gear inside) and a couple backs needed servicing in the last 6 years. $250 for the body, $80 for each back.

 

vpwphoto

Member

Joined

Feb 21, 2011

Messages

1,202

Location

Indiana

Format

Multi Format

• Feb 6, 2012

• #6

3 lens, 2 body, 3 back 500 system... $800 in repairs (a couple totaling that) in 20 years a heavy use!

I agree... those Graflex SLR systems are much more reliable... and they take digital backs also, and take the 200mph prop wash of doing aerial photos better.:confused: